Germany defeated Australia 4-2 at Wildpark Stadium in Karlsruhe, controlling much of the international friendly as both teams prepared for next year's Women's World Cup in Brazil. The result opened the October International window, and Australia now has one match remaining: against Haiti on Wednesday at 6:00am AEST.
Germany Takes Control
Melissa Kossler scored twice in the first half. She put Germany ahead in the 24th minute after a cross from Carlotta Wamser, then struck again six minutes later. Ranked world No. 3, Germany repeatedly threatened Australia's defence; Australia is ranked world No. 15.
Australia started evenly. In the second minute, Ellie Carpenter crossed toward Sam Kerr, but Germany goalkeeper Ena Mahmutovic reached the ball first. Cora Zicai sent a chance wide in the third minute. Carpenter crossed again in the seventh, with Amy Sayer and Kerr involved, but Australia couldn't get through the defence.
Germany took charge as the half wore on. Kaitlyn Torpey made defensive interventions while Germany created chances, and Clare Wheeler collided with Kossler. Foord and Kerr later combined in an attempt to equalise, but Germany's defence stopped them. After Kossler's second goal, Australia struggled to keep possession.
Kerr scored for Australia in the 45th minute, heading in after Carpenter drove down the wing and sent a low, hard cross. Earlier, Kerr had gone down after taking a foot to her right ankle during a challenge. She walked off looking uncomfortable, then returned to the pitch. She had also been flagged offside after running onto a long ball from Emily Van Egmond. Germany led 2-1 at half-time.
Changes, Chances and Injuries
Australia looked more organised early in the second half. Wheeler struck the crossbar from range in the 56th minute after a corner, nearly drawing the teams level. Kossler later had a shot saved by Mackenzie Arnold in the bottom-right corner, was flagged offside, and faced a challenge outside the box. Australia won more corners through Van Egmond and created chances, but didn't find a final touch.
At 64 minutes, Joe Montemurro brought on Holly McNamara, Alana Murphy, Leticia McKenna and Courtney Nevin. Steph Catley, Sayer, Van Egmond and Kerr came off. In the 73rd minute, the goalkeeper's close-range kick-out hit McNamara in the shoulder, and possibly also the face or head. She was assessed on the ground and later left the field with blood coming from her mouth. The live coverage noted she had a history of injuries.
Germany kept pressing. Nicole Anyomi shot wide in the 78th minute, and Zicai tested Arnold in the 81st. Kuver headed in from a corner in the 83rd minute to make it 3-1. Tumeth and Remy Siemsen came on for Wini Heatley and Hayley Raso in the 87th minute. Tumeth made her debut, earning Matildas cap No. 244.
Late Goals, No Financial Details
McNamara finished a move through the middle at 90 minutes, cutting Germany's lead to 3-2. Germany immediately restored its two-goal advantage when Sjoeke Nusken scored from a corner Australia hadn't fully cleared. Germany won 4-2.
The match account identifies the players, substitutions, injuries and result, but gives no figures on ticket revenue, broadcast income, player pay or club finances. It also reports no government action, union involvement, strike or reform proposal. Australia's next scheduled match in the account is against Haiti, the second of the two October-window friendlies. This was Australia's first friendly since June.